Doctor insights on:
Triacting Sore Throat Medication

1

Depends on cause:
Best medications for a sore throat depends on what is causing your throat to be sore. For moderate pain, over the counter pain medication may be sufficient. For reflux induced sore throat, will need something like Prilosec or nexium (esomeprazole). If bacterial infection (fever, severe pain, etc), a culture may be needed and antibiotic prescribed. It is a good idea to see your physician for a check-up.
...Read more

2

Magic Mouthwash:
You can get a prescription from your doctor for 'magic mouthwash' which has lidocaine. OTC meds work OK - generally chloroseptic spray, ibuprofen, honey/tea. Might need to be checked for infection?
...Read more

8

If it is viral it:
Might take as little as a couple of days or longer than a week. Rest, hydrate well with water ; stay far, far away from cigarette smoke. You can keep mucosa moist with a humidifier. Add honey ; a small amt. Of lemon juice to chamomile tea. Slippery elm bark lozenges are another option. Saltwater gargles: mix 1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water – gargle several times a day.
...Read more

10

Strep throat:
The symptoms of this illness can vanish without having eradicated the organism from your throat. The major point of treating strep infection is not to treat symptoms, but rather to prevent post-streptococcal complications (acute rheumatic fever).
...Read more

12

You probably:
Have acute laryngitis, assuming you have no other problems. There is no medicine that would help. It will take 2 weeks to resolve. You can help with absolute voice rest and humidifying air. If it persists, see your doctor because it could be something more serious.
...Read more

13

Otc meds:
You can try chloraseptic spray, cepacol lozenges that can be bought over-the-counter. Salt water gargling helps a lot. Try gargling for 20 seconds with 1/4tsp of salt in an 8 ounces of warm water. Do this every 4 hours.
...Read more

15

Speak with your doc:
I assume you are having iodine treatment for thyroid cancer or dysfunction? If you have been suffering from fever and sore throat for 3 weeks it is best to talk to your doctor before receiving more treatments. It sounds like you have an infection and need to pay your doctor a visit.
...Read more

17

Sore throat:
Tylenol or Motrin can be used for the pain and the fever if present. Flonase can help if the sore throat is due to post nasal drip.' Chloroseptic spray can numb up the throat to take the pain away. It is sprayed in the throat every few hours and woks on the surface of the throat and the tonsils. You may also have tonsil stones that get inflamed. Have the ent doctor check it out.
...Read more

19

No:
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that takes root no matter what preventative measures you may employ. Now if it's a viral infection instead, then some homeopathic remedies may help a bit, like echinacea. However, staying well hydrated and resting is the best medicine.
...Read more

21

No single best drug:
There are many over-the-counter medications to address your husband's symptoms, some of which may not be the wisest depending upon his medical history. Acetaminophen is typically safe for aches, pains & fevers in those w/o liver problems and who don't drink to excess. Nsaids like Ibuprofen & Naproxen also work but may increase blood pressure, irritate kidneys & cause bleeding in stomach. Go c doc.
...Read more

23

Time:
Usually this is caused by a viral upper respiratory infection. As such it is self limited. Use analgesics and stay well hydrated. If it is a chronic problem (more than 10-14 days) then see your doctor for assessment and treatment. Otc treatments are not effective and may be harmful.
...Read more

I would recommend an evaluation by your healthcare provider. If you have a tonsillar infection that keeps coming back it may be time to have your tonsils removed or the symptoms will continue to return.
...Read more

27

Tonsillitis:
Painful swollen tonsils with a white exudate might be strep throat. A rapid strep test can be done to determine if you have it. The treatment for it is antibiotics and you would need a doctor to prescribe that for you.
...Read more

28

Rest:
Honestly, rest and allowing your body to heal is the best thing with cold-like symptoms. If it lasts longer than 10 days you will need to see a doctor for exam. I always use raw honey for cough, saline irrigation for sinuses, Ibuprofen for aches and pain.
...Read more

29

Seasonal flu:
It is very common viral infection. Usually the condition resolves on its own with home care. Drink water and get a good rest. If there is no improvement or sore throat is severe or lasts longer than another week, or you are getting joint pain; see your pcp for evaluation.
...Read more